World Bank Approves $20 Billion Concessional Loan for Pakistan Washington: The World Bank has approved a $20 billion concessional loan for Pakistan. The loan will be released over the next ten years at a 2 percent interest rate. It is part of the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2025–2035, which focuses on overcoming Pakistan’s long-term development challenges. Key Highlights of the Loan Loan Size: $20 billion over 10 years at 2% interest. Private Sector Financing: Another $20 billion is expected through the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Total Package: $40 billion in combined support. Focus Areas: Climate resilience and poverty reduction…
Author: Farhan Ali
President Zardari Signs Anti-Terr0rism (Amendment) Bill 2025 into Law Islamabad, Pakistan — President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday signed into law the Anti-Terr0rism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a significant move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s counter-terr0r framework while ensuring legal oversight and safeguards. Key Highlights of the Amendment Preventive Detention: Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and armed forces can detain individuals for up to three months, subject to judicial oversight. Judicial Safeguards: Detentions will follow Article 10 of the Constitution, ensuring legal recourse against abuse. Scope of Offenses: Applies to suspects involved in activities like target killings, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion. Joint…
Sutlej Swells as India’s Water Release Inundates Kasur Villages The River Sutlej has overflowed after India released heavy inflows, inundating dozens of villages in Kasur and destroying thousands of acres of farmland. Rescue teams confirmed that villagers and livestock are being shifted to safer areas, but floodwaters continue to spread across Punjab. In Burewala, floodwaters cut off hundreds of villages after breaching the Sahu Ka–Chishtian road, leaving families stranded. Farmers in Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar saw their main crops of cotton, rice, and sesame washed away. Many families abandoned ancestral homes, carrying what little they could while wading through waist-deep waters.…
FM Dar Warns ‘Greater Isr@el’ Plan Threatens Regional Peace Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has termed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks about a “Greater Isr@el” as a direct threat to regional peace. Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s extraordinary meeting in Jeddah, Dar condemned Israel’s expansionist rhetoric and its ongoing military operations in G@za. Since October 2023, Isr@eli strikes have claimed the lives of more than 62,000 Palestinians and injured over 157,000, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The United Nations recently cautioned that with aid convoys blocked, nearly half a million people in…
Pakistan IT Exports Reach Record $354 Million in July 2025 Pakistan’s IT sector has set a new benchmark with record monthly exports of $354 million in July 2025, reflecting a strong 24% year-on-year rise and 5% growth compared to June. The performance exceeded the 12-month average of $317 million, showcasing the sector’s sustained upward momentum. The biggest driver came from computer services, which reached $311 million, fueled by a sharp rise in software consultancy exports, climbing to $104 million from $96 million in June. According to Topline Research, multiple factors contributed to this growth. These include an expanding global client…
Buner Residents Fear Return After Deadly Floods Kill 340+ BUNER, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:Devastating floods in Buner district have killed more than 340 people, leaving survivors too scared to return to their homes as authorities warn of more heavy rains ahead. Residents described the tragedy as a “doomsday scenario,” with flash floods and cloudbursts sweeping away houses, shops, vehicles, and entire streets. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed that over 200 deaths occurred in Buner alone, including women and children. Many families have fled to higher ground or makeshift camps, while roads remain blocked and markets buried under several feet of mud.…
Karachi’s heaviest rains of the season left roads under water, homes flooded, and flights disrupted Heavy rains on Tuesday triggered urban flooding in Karachi, leaving large parts of the metropolis submerged. The torrential downpour inundated Sharea Faisal, University Road, and II Chundrigar Road, bringing traffic to a standstill. Several neighborhoods including Malir, Korangi Crossing, Liaquatabad, Baldia Town, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, and Shah Faisal Colony reported rainwater entering homes. In Malir and North Karachi, water rose up to four feet, forcing families to abandon vehicles. Tragically, five people lost their lives in wall collapse incidents in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Orangi. Rescue officials confirmed multiple…
Punjab Rivers in Flood: Sutlej Breaches and Ravi Swells as Army Joins Relief Punjab is on high alert as floodwaters from the Sutlej and Ravi rivers rise dangerously, causing destruction in Bahawalpur and surrounding areas. In Bahawalpur, two embankments at Dera Bakha were breached by floodwaters from the Sutlej River. The breaches submerged hundreds of acres of farmland, destroying standing crops and severing road links to nearby settlements. Residents in low-lying areas have been forced to evacuate to safer places. The Ravi River is also swelling after India released 150,000 cusecs of water. Authorities report 60,000 cusecs entering at Jassar,…
Floods Cause Widespread Destruction in KP and Balochistan; Pakistan Army Leads Relief Severe floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains have devastated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, causing heavy loss of life, homes, and infrastructure. In KP, officials confirmed 358 deaths and 181 injuries across multiple districts. In Shangla alone, 36 people died and 24 were injured. Schools, health centers, and water supply schemes have been damaged, while over 780 houses were destroyed or partially damaged. Flooding has also disrupted road links, including the Waziristan Highway. In Balochistan, 22 deaths and 11 injuries were reported, with houses, solar panels, and public…
Floods Continue to Ravage Pakistan as 25,000 Rescued; Pakistan Army Leads Relief Efforts Heavy Monsoon Rains Trigger Disaster Pakistan is facing one of the toughest monsoon seasons in recent years. Heavy rains and flash floods have left hundreds dead and displaced thousands of families. Entire communities are under water, while landslides have cut off vital roads. NDMA and Government Response Federal Minister Atta Tarar confirmed that close to 25,000 people have been rescued. The National Emergency Coordination Centre is linking federal and provincial agencies for a faster response. NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik also warned that another spell…